Un-betaed! Sorry for all mistakes.
Huge thank you to all reviewers! Thx LSKP for pointing out "Save me Barry!" analogy, you made me laugh!
Chapter 2.
Hard training regime in tie with diet which Sue insisted for her to still follow left Quinn all kinds of tired and somewhat loopy all the time. Since The Potion Incident, as she christened it in her head she had tried to avoid Rachel at all costs. However Friday party at Puck's had been a long time tradition and she just couldn't decline the offer to attend, even though she'd rather head home and just sleep her tiredness off. Sam asked her to come and she has been trying – not without momentary lapses, namely The Potion Incident aftermath- to become a better person.
Quinn agreed with Sam to pick him up at seven; she was the one driving, well designated driving, since she has swore off drinking.
"It's still too early" Quinn said as excited Sam climbed in the passenger seat.
"But Quinn, you know how I still feel like new guy around here. I want to become part of the group as fast as possible."
"Yeah, but we are going to be too early." She repeated pulling away from the curb.
"Well, I guess we are on time." Sam said as even before he reached for the bell, door had opened with a bang and drunken football player stumbled out past them to promptly pass out in the bushes.
Sam weaved his way through the crowd of mingling people tugging Quinn behind him, greetings were exchanged with cheerios and football players; Quinn rubbed her temples, bass reverberating through the crowd settled as the beginning of headache at the back of her scull.
"We've decided to start early" Puck hugged them both heartily, already tipsy; he handed Sam a red cup. "Cedes, Finn, Rach and others are already here, down at the basement" he yelled over the blasting music.
"Are you preggers again Q? Or are you afraid I will poison you?" Puck asked seeing Sam dutifully fetch a bottle of water for Quinn.
"You know I need no potion to charm the ladies" Puck winked at the girl.
"No, dumbass, I am driving tonight. And if by charm you mean getting them drunk, then sure, you're a lady charmer alright"
"Whatever, baby mama, have fun!" he slapped passing cheerio's ass earning an indignant squeak
"I am so getting some tonight" he grinned chasing after the girl.
"Let's go somewhere quiet?" Quinn yelled; she could feel her headache intensify.
Sam nodded his agreement and they ended up joining other gleeks, who had gathered in the basement, the only relatively quiet place at the moment.
Quinn almost laughed out loud at the scene in front of her. Mike and Tina huddled in the comfy chair whispering among themselves; the pair looked nauseatingly sweet, yet they were not the source of blonde's mirth.
What made her almost laugh is image of Finn propped on the couch nodding off to the enthusiastic chatter of his girlfriend, drool glistening at the corner of his mouth. Mercedes sprawled next to Finn looked like she was moments away from falling asleep. Rachel continued talking seemingly oblivious to others' boredom.
"Stop talking, Sandman. You will put them in boredom induced coma." Quinn said instead of greeting.
"Hey guys!" Sam smiled.
"Please be nice." he whispered to Quinn pleadingly. Raised brow signaled that he got himself 'the talk' later.
"Hello Quinn, Sam! How was your ride? We all are very glad to see you!" Rachel ever the polite one, greeted them perkily; she elbowed Finn who with a short snore jumped, startled from his slumber. For a moment he looked around confused by his whereabouts, but upon seeing Sam came to his wits. "Man what took you so long?" Finn wiped drool from his chin as he jumped to grab the beer bottle from the cooler. "We've wasted so much time!" he dragged Sam to the TV and gaming consoles at the other side of the room, blind to how Rachel's face dropped in disappointment.
Quinn plopped in the only vacant seat, next to Rachel. She shifted trying to make herself comfortable; too tired to even bother with singer's proximity, she exhaled nosily as she settled down.
In contrast, Rachel tensed beside her. Turning her head slightly Quinn observed dejected brunette. She had hoped that in absence of her boyfriend Rachel would be quiet, but then she realized that Rachel was just gearing up for the next round.
With a look of total despair Quinn looked around for help from other gleeks. Mike and Tina engaged in heavy make out session were oblivious to the world around them. She turned to Mercedes, but other diva was steps ahead, she just fished her phone out of her pocket and with quick "Kurt's here" rushed upstairs.
"So, Quinn…" Rachel started, facing Quinn with a wide smile.
Quinn nursed her bottle of water and watched Rachel drone on.
She had caught sentences like "gathering like these are detrimental for individual's health but great for a team spirit…" she even thought of joining boys' game but before she could move Rachel had paused and loudly cleared her throat drawing Quinn's attention.
"Quinn, are you even listening to me?" Rachel huffed "You have this look on your face, like you're not listening at all and believe me I recognize this look, I am dating Finn after all and with his attention span of a 3 year old…" she paused again as she tried to decipher look on Quinn's face
"Are you feeling alright, Quinn? You look really tired"
"Yeah," Quinn grumbled kneading knots in her neck, "Cheerios practice. Sue keeps busting my ass. I am tired all the time"
Rachel's expression softened instantly "It is important to receive a proper amount of sleep and adequate nutrition. I doubt that attending parties aids that. You know very well how my schedule and diet are well balanced to fight strain of high school and extra curriculum activities at the same time allowing proper rest time. You know I could help you with your schedule."
Quinn's first reaction was to snap at girl for being so obnoxious, but the look of concern in dark eyes and sincerity of offer were obvious.
"Thanks for the offer, but I am pretty sure I'll manage on my own" Quinn smiled despite herself, but quickly schooled her features in a scowl.
"You're really pretty when you smile" Rachel blanched. She looked shocked at her own words.
Quinn just as red, sat up ram rod straight.
"Sorry" Rachel muttered, internally once again cursing her lack of brain-mouth filter.
"It's the fucking potion! It's real!" Quinn's brain screamed in delirium
Rachel disturbed by other girl's expression, or lack of thereof, deemed sensible to move slightly away from the blonde.
"Relax Man Hands, I won't hit you"
"That is why it's so confusing" Rachel continued to move away until she was pressed to the other side of the couch, which was still rather close.
"Quinn, I've been meaning to ask" Rachel stage whispered "if you think that maybe that potion was…"
She was interrupted by commotion caused by Brittany and Santana's entering the stairs;
Puck armed with half full vodka bottle beside them "Puckasaurus Rex is here to please you ladies!" He wrapped both cheerios in a hug and proceeded to drop sloppy kisses wherever he could reach; next moment with a rather high pitched squeak Puck let them go, as a smug looking Santana tugged Brittany away, leaving Puck behind to nurse his sore ribs.
"Come on, you bunch of basement dwellers!" Puck declared from the top of the stairs, assuming the preaching pose he raised his arms and continued "I am a messiah; I came to save you from your misery! Come! Come upstairs and have fun, or I will kick your asses!"
He then jumped down taking several steps at a time, and after forcing Finn and Same take penalty vodka shots, dragged them upstairs.
Rachel hurried after them calling out after Finn. "I'll be in the minute" Quinn reassured Sam when he looked for her over the shoulder. Soon Quinn was the only one left. Glad for a moment of peace she closed her eyes and nestled further into the couch.
She was startled from her slumber, what seemed to her just a moment later, by a loud bang. Door hit the wall as Rachel stormed in. She stopped at the bottom of the stairs, face scrunched up in anger. After a moment she sat down on the bottom step, slightly hunched, her hands bunched up into fists at her sides.
Still a little drowsy Quinn kept quiet, but became more alert as she took in girl's disheveled look, stains marring her light pink blouse.
"What happened?" Quinn asked quietly, her voice hoarse from sleep
It must've sounded too loud to the other girl as she jumped, startled.
"I thought no one is down here. I didn't mean to bother you." Rachel bowed her head down trying to hide her face from Quinn.
"Berry, are you crying?" Quinn asked in a whisper.
"No, I am not" brunette answered trying to sound sure, "don't be ridiculous"
"What's the matter?" Quinn asked softly as she moved to sit down next to Rachel, who continued to ignore the questions wiping hastily at her face with a sleeve of her blouse.
Quinn had never seen Rachel cry. Despite the torture girl was subjected at school she had never let herself cry in front of others, never let her mask slip. And seeing her break down made Quinn aware, made her ache to comfort the girl.
"Spill or stop sighing" Quinn said sternly; she leaned back, her head resting on a banister.
Rachel mimicked Quinn's position and looked up at Quinn.
"It's nothing really. I've just got overwhelmed with all the people upstairs"
"Bull."
There was a quiet moment as both girls watched each other quietly.
Quinn wanted to say something to reassure Rachel to make her comfortable, but was afraid that with their history her words might sound fake. She moved her hand from her knee to place between them on the step. It was as far as she would go, giving a silent peace offering.
"Some cheerio called me freak and proceed to spill her drink on my shirt" Rachel gave up
"Well, nothing new here" Quinn said with a feigned yawn
"And Finn laughed, he laughed with them"
With a sigh Quinn moved closer, so their shoulders touched.
"Listen, Berry, he's just a Neanderthal, this is how he is. It doesn't mean he's not in love with you. He's just stupid and shallow. Deal with it."
"You know for someone trying to comfort, you are not really good at it" Rachel mumbled, but she leaned slightly into Quinn accepting her peace offering.
"And what did you expect? A hug?"
"Well, no, of course not, you exceeded my expectations as it is" Rachel smiled, her real smile.
That moment had struck Quinn with realization of how similar they were; both afraid to let their facades slip, show vulnerability. It made her heart beat faster, she realized, in fear; here she was comforting the girl she despised (well not really) letting her softer side show; unacceptable!
Rachel cleared her throat "Earlier, I wanted to talk to you about the potion."
Quinn rolled her eyes, hard. "Berry, seriously. Do you really believe in magic?" she exhaled glad for the change of subject.
"Well, look at us now." Rachel motioned between them. "Besides do you remember the book? It's really old and Brittany might've inadvertently concocted something…" she lowered her voice "magical!"
Quinn let out a snort.
"Don't laugh!" but Rachel grinned as well "Anyway, I want you to report immediately if you notice something unusual."
"Like what?" Quinn asked with a raised brow.
"Well, if you notice the potion working."
"What about now?" Quinn asked.
"Well," Rachel looked lost for words "I don't think it's potion's doing."
"Whatever. I don't believe in stuff like potions" Quinn stood up, dusting her dress.
"I have something else to ask of you. Latter accident with that cheerio made me thinking, and I remember the other day you said you'd do anything for me, Quinn."
Quinn froze.
"Of course you thought you were dying at the moment" Rachel continued evenly
"Don't be ridiculous Berry." Quinn interrupted "I just needed your help, that's why I said I'd do anything."
"It doesn't matter," Rachel continued unaffected "You gave your word and I am pretty sure for someone as prideful as yourself, it means something. So, I want to use this opportunity to ask you to stop calling me names, and please, try and be civil to me, like you've been for the last half an hour. Of course I understand your need to uphold public image and at school simple avoidance would be acceptable."
Quinn scoffed "Whatever."
"Does it mean that you will try?" Rachel asked tentatively.
Quinn sighed "Maybe."
"Thank you, Quinn. It means a lot to me." Rachel smiled "Now let's go upstairs. I am sure Sam is looking for you."
Quinn groaned, but followed anyway, she had forgotten about her boyfriend completely.
"Have a good evening, Quinn" Rachel smiled as she went to look for Finn.
Quinn's cheeks felt decidedly warm as she pushed her way into the crowd.
She found Sam at the beer pong table. He stumbled towards her; with "hey babe!" he draped one arm around her waist, leaning heavily on her. "Where've you been?"
"You are drunk" she stated coldly "maybe it's time to go home?"
"I need to be home at 12" he squinted at his watch.
"I guess it's time to go then" She dragged him outside to sober up a little. He swayed as he leaned on the railing, cold air made him feel better.
"Where've you been all night?" he repeated his previous question
"I fell asleep"
"You've missed all the fun." He pouted at her
"I was tired. I will party next time; now let's get you home." She helped him get into the car.
After she dropped Sam at his house, she drove back passing Puck's again.
Sam didn't even try to give her a goodbye kiss, which she thought was weird, not that she would complain about it. She decided to do something to rekindle their lackluster romance, maybe invite him over for a make out session.
As she drove she hadnoticed none other than small diva walking down the sidewalk, all alone.
She slowed down to ask what was the matter, but Rachel, hearing the car approach, increased her pace.
Quinn followed slowly in her car; Rachel looked like she was going to bolt any second.
Quinn lowered her window, which caused brunette to whip around with a start, rape whistle halfway to her mouth.
Quinn laughed "It's me Berry! What are you doing here all by yourself?"
Unsteady Rachel moved to the car.
"Quinn, you should know that creeping on unsuspecting people in the way you just did is highly unacceptable" Rachel swayed a little "I am goin' home if you should know"
"And where's Finn?" Quinn arched her brow noticing that Rachel leaned a little wobbly at her car.
"Are you drunk?" unbelieving smile spread on her lips
"Am not!" Rachel exclaimed straightening herself, but momentary losing her balance before bracing herself against the car.
"Get in."
Rachel continued to stare at Quinn as if not fully comprehending
"It's going to rain soon. I will give you a ride."
"I am quite capable on my own. Thank you very much."
"Get. in. the. car" Quinn used her HBIC voice and as if by instinct Rachel quickly climbed inside.
"You really don't have to do it." Rachel said leaning back in the seat and closing her eyes.
"I know. That's what makes me so nice."
"Did you just quote Wicked?" Rachel diffused in fit of giggles.
First raindrops hit the hood of the car. Quinn turned to girl with a look of 'I told you so' on her face.
"Why were you alone?"
Rachel tried to smooth invisible creases on her skirt.
"When we parted our ways I went to search for Finn and found him with some bimbo around his neck, with her tongue down his throat." She answered "He looked like a puppy caught doing something wrong." She added drawing patterns with her finger on the fogged up glass.
Quinn shook her head "How many times can you fuck up in one evening, Hudson?" she wondered inwardly.
"So you got drunk?"
"I am not drunk." She huffed, "Maybe a little tipsy"
"You know Quinn I am really tired of him." Rachel continued, her voice raising.
"He is not that bad." Quinn defended Finn weakly
"But he is not that good either" Rachel argued
"It's just a kiss. Maybe she had forced herself on him." Quinn knew it was a lame excuse
"Why are you defending him?" Rachel turned to glare at Quinn, but her head started to spin and she leaned back into the seat.
"I don't know. Deep down he's a sweet guy. I don't think he wanted to hurt you"
"I know, it's just lately it's hard to see this sweet guy. Lately he's just a douche. Finn Hudson is a douche!"
They both laughed at her little outburst.
"He always says I talk too much and I want things too much"
"That you do." Quinn smiled
"I know, but these are things that he could've tried to accept about me."
"Yeah, I guess. But don't forget it's Finn we are talking about."
"Do you love Sam?" Rachel asked suddenly
"Where did this come from?"
"I don't know, it's just sometimes I wonder how others feel. If their feelings were just as intense as mine."
Quinn thought about saying the truth that she have never felt it, that she have never loved, liked -sure, but not loved.
"We are almost there." she said instead of answering, to her luck Rachel tipsiness made her easily distracted.
"I am tired Quinn." She mumbled rubbing her eyes with a fist.
They drove for a few minutes in silence.
"You're being really nice to me, that's weird. You didn't call me names; you keep your word, or…" Rachel smiled "potion must be working!"
"Again with this stuff, stop with the teasing will you." Quinn laughed.
"Thank you Quinn." Rachel said as they stopped at her House, she leaned in an awkward hug, which caught Quinn off guard and she hesitated several moments before patting her back stiffly. Rachel beamed at her and climbed out of the car.
Quinn watched her fumble with keys until finally she disappeared inside the house. Certain that Rachel was safe she headed home. As she drove she had decided to research the potion thing thoroughly.